SL/R230: Sl600 Lemon?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 44
Likes: 1
From: Annapolis, MD
'97 RENNtech E60RS
Sl600 Lemon?
I'm looking at a used '05 SL600. In 12 months of use and 4,700 miles, the following work has been done under warranty:
1. Connecting hose, boost pressure (1,011 miles)
2. Seat adjustment control module (1,011 miles)
3. Automatic transmission oil pip(e?) (3,387 miles)
4. Control module, tire pressure (3,387 miles)
5. Campaign, flash up (3,387 miles)
6. MB Service welcome, first service (3,387 miles)
7. Towing, follow-up jobs (4,157 miles)
8. Guide bushing leaking (4,157 miles)
9. Drain plug, radiator (4,157 miles)
10. Valve assembly, front axle ABC (4,157 miles)
11. Rack and pinion steering leaking (4,157 miles); replaced rack
No further repairs have been made in 2,000 miles of use since the last item on the list. I would appreciate comments on whether this list may indicate that this car is a "problem car" and should be passed up, or whether it is pretty standard for something as technically-complex as this car is. The asking price is a bit under what seems to be current market value, but it won't compensate for the headaches of having to deal with more repairs and down time. The factory warranty is good for another 30 months. I know there are no guaranties one way or the other, but would appreciate hearing from the collective wisdom of members anyway. Thanx!
1. Connecting hose, boost pressure (1,011 miles)
2. Seat adjustment control module (1,011 miles)
3. Automatic transmission oil pip(e?) (3,387 miles)
4. Control module, tire pressure (3,387 miles)
5. Campaign, flash up (3,387 miles)
6. MB Service welcome, first service (3,387 miles)
7. Towing, follow-up jobs (4,157 miles)
8. Guide bushing leaking (4,157 miles)
9. Drain plug, radiator (4,157 miles)
10. Valve assembly, front axle ABC (4,157 miles)
11. Rack and pinion steering leaking (4,157 miles); replaced rack
No further repairs have been made in 2,000 miles of use since the last item on the list. I would appreciate comments on whether this list may indicate that this car is a "problem car" and should be passed up, or whether it is pretty standard for something as technically-complex as this car is. The asking price is a bit under what seems to be current market value, but it won't compensate for the headaches of having to deal with more repairs and down time. The factory warranty is good for another 30 months. I know there are no guaranties one way or the other, but would appreciate hearing from the collective wisdom of members anyway. Thanx!
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 513
Likes: 0
are you sure there aren't any dents from the previous owner hitting the car over and over and over again? 
Originally Posted by RENNtech-er
I'm looking at a used '05 SL600. In 12 months of use and 4,700 miles, the following work has been done under warranty:
1. Connecting hose, boost pressure (1,011 miles)
2. Seat adjustment control module (1,011 miles)
3. Automatic transmission oil pip(e?) (3,387 miles)
4. Control module, tire pressure (3,387 miles)
5. Campaign, flash up (3,387 miles)
6. MB Service welcome, first service (3,387 miles)
7. Towing, follow-up jobs (4,157 miles)
8. Guide bushing leaking (4,157 miles)
9. Drain plug, radiator (4,157 miles)
10. Valve assembly, front axle ABC (4,157 miles)
11. Rack and pinion steering leaking (4,157 miles); replaced rack
No further repairs have been made in 2,000 miles of use since the last item on the list. I would appreciate comments on whether this list may indicate that this car is a "problem car" and should be passed up, or whether it is pretty standard for something as technically-complex as this car is. The asking price is a bit under what seems to be current market value, but it won't compensate for the headaches of having to deal with more repairs and down time. The factory warranty is good for another 30 months. I know there are no guaranties one way or the other, but would appreciate hearing from the collective wisdom of members anyway. Thanx!
1. Connecting hose, boost pressure (1,011 miles)
2. Seat adjustment control module (1,011 miles)
3. Automatic transmission oil pip(e?) (3,387 miles)
4. Control module, tire pressure (3,387 miles)
5. Campaign, flash up (3,387 miles)
6. MB Service welcome, first service (3,387 miles)
7. Towing, follow-up jobs (4,157 miles)
8. Guide bushing leaking (4,157 miles)
9. Drain plug, radiator (4,157 miles)
10. Valve assembly, front axle ABC (4,157 miles)
11. Rack and pinion steering leaking (4,157 miles); replaced rack
No further repairs have been made in 2,000 miles of use since the last item on the list. I would appreciate comments on whether this list may indicate that this car is a "problem car" and should be passed up, or whether it is pretty standard for something as technically-complex as this car is. The asking price is a bit under what seems to be current market value, but it won't compensate for the headaches of having to deal with more repairs and down time. The factory warranty is good for another 30 months. I know there are no guaranties one way or the other, but would appreciate hearing from the collective wisdom of members anyway. Thanx!
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
SL55AMG, ML420CDI, E320TCDI
Originally Posted by RENNtech-er
I'm looking at a used '05 SL600. In 12 months of use and 4,700 miles, the following work has been done under warranty:
1. Connecting hose, boost pressure (1,011 miles)
2. Seat adjustment control module (1,011 miles)
3. Automatic transmission oil pip(e?) (3,387 miles)
4. Control module, tire pressure (3,387 miles)
5. Campaign, flash up (3,387 miles)
6. MB Service welcome, first service (3,387 miles)
7. Towing, follow-up jobs (4,157 miles)
8. Guide bushing leaking (4,157 miles)
9. Drain plug, radiator (4,157 miles)
10. Valve assembly, front axle ABC (4,157 miles)
11. Rack and pinion steering leaking (4,157 miles); replaced rack
No further repairs have been made in 2,000 miles of use since the last item on the list. I would appreciate comments on whether this list may indicate that this car is a "problem car" and should be passed up, or whether it is pretty standard for something as technically-complex as this car is. The asking price is a bit under what seems to be current market value, but it won't compensate for the headaches of having to deal with more repairs and down time. The factory warranty is good for another 30 months. I know there are no guaranties one way or the other, but would appreciate hearing from the collective wisdom of members anyway. Thanx!
1. Connecting hose, boost pressure (1,011 miles)
2. Seat adjustment control module (1,011 miles)
3. Automatic transmission oil pip(e?) (3,387 miles)
4. Control module, tire pressure (3,387 miles)
5. Campaign, flash up (3,387 miles)
6. MB Service welcome, first service (3,387 miles)
7. Towing, follow-up jobs (4,157 miles)
8. Guide bushing leaking (4,157 miles)
9. Drain plug, radiator (4,157 miles)
10. Valve assembly, front axle ABC (4,157 miles)
11. Rack and pinion steering leaking (4,157 miles); replaced rack
No further repairs have been made in 2,000 miles of use since the last item on the list. I would appreciate comments on whether this list may indicate that this car is a "problem car" and should be passed up, or whether it is pretty standard for something as technically-complex as this car is. The asking price is a bit under what seems to be current market value, but it won't compensate for the headaches of having to deal with more repairs and down time. The factory warranty is good for another 30 months. I know there are no guaranties one way or the other, but would appreciate hearing from the collective wisdom of members anyway. Thanx!
This car is a mess. Leave it.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,854
Likes: 197
From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
My .02....
Yes there have been some parts replaced, not many by today's MB standards. What you don't know is what the problems were...if real or not or how serious...looks like leaks accounted for 6 of the problems. No recurring problems or problems with major systems that I could see. The mileage is so low and the remaining warranty OK so I wouldn't be wary.
Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: El Segundo, CA
2006 SL 500
Too many problems...
I would advise against it because as someone pointed out there are others out on the market that probably don't have that laundry list of problems. Remember that one day you will sell it and even if it doesn't have another problem it will still have all those and could give potential buyers pause.
Don't take this cars problems as indicative of all SL's service record. My 2006 SL500 turned 6 months old on March 24th and it has delivered ZERO problems. Good luck.
Don't take this cars problems as indicative of all SL's service record. My 2006 SL500 turned 6 months old on March 24th and it has delivered ZERO problems. Good luck.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,111
Likes: 0
From: Memphis
SL500 and A-CLASS
Originally Posted by MBZFAN55
Would you buy another SL, now ?
My SL has no new problems in the last year, but has a water leak that can not be fix. All my problems with the car happen in the first 12 months.
I think you will not have any problems with the car in question, since all the bugs are worked out. You will need to test for water leaks by pouring water down the rear window to test for water leaks in the trunk.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 44
Likes: 1
From: Annapolis, MD
'97 RENNtech E60RS
OK, everyone, thanks for the opinions. The vote was pretty one-sided to stay away from this particular car--and that was even without me mentioning that it is a Mercedes "buy-back" and flagged as a "Status 6" in the Vehicle Master Inquiry (VMI) system. "Status 6" means that any future warranty work needs prior approval by MB in NJ before a dealer can do it. "Status 8," BTW, is "NO WARRANTY" (flood damage cars, etc.).
I really appreciate the input. I was leaning away from this car, and the advice expressed in this thread pushed me all the way over to "won't touch it." So, I moved to a really nice low mileage 2004 SL600 without any service issues or flags that I learned was at a dealer's auction this morning. Did my due diligence, everything looked good, and wound up buying it at a really nice price (I think). More info and photos in a couple of days, when the deal is closed.
I really appreciate the input. I was leaning away from this car, and the advice expressed in this thread pushed me all the way over to "won't touch it." So, I moved to a really nice low mileage 2004 SL600 without any service issues or flags that I learned was at a dealer's auction this morning. Did my due diligence, everything looked good, and wound up buying it at a really nice price (I think). More info and photos in a couple of days, when the deal is closed.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,111
Likes: 0
From: Memphis
SL500 and A-CLASS
Originally Posted by RENNtech-er
OK, everyone, thanks for the opinions. The vote was pretty one-sided to stay away from this particular car--and that was even without me mentioning that it is a Mercedes "buy-back" and flagged as a "Status 6" in the Vehicle Master Inquiry (VMI) system. "Status 6" means that any future warranty work needs prior approval by MB in NJ before a dealer can do it. "Status 8," BTW, is "NO WARRANTY" (flood damage cars, etc.).
I really appreciate the input. I was leaning away from this car, and the advice expressed in this thread pushed me all the way over to "won't touch it." So, I moved to a really nice low mileage 2004 SL600 without any service issues or flags that I learned was at a dealer's auction this morning. Did my due diligence, everything looked good, and wound up buying it at a really nice price (I think). More info and photos in a couple of days, when the deal is closed.
I really appreciate the input. I was leaning away from this car, and the advice expressed in this thread pushed me all the way over to "won't touch it." So, I moved to a really nice low mileage 2004 SL600 without any service issues or flags that I learned was at a dealer's auction this morning. Did my due diligence, everything looked good, and wound up buying it at a really nice price (I think). More info and photos in a couple of days, when the deal is closed.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 44
Likes: 1
From: Annapolis, MD
'97 RENNtech E60RS
Originally Posted by tiggerfink
So if someone buys the car, who will do the warranty work if not approved by MBUSA?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 44
Likes: 1
From: Annapolis, MD
'97 RENNtech E60RS
Originally Posted by JackStraw
RENNtech-er:
What was the asking price?
What was the asking price?
